'When We Lost Our Heads' by Heather O'Neill is a tale that follows the intertwined lives of two women, Marie and Sadie, from childhood into adulthood. Set in Montreal and a boarding school in the UK in the late 1800s, the story delves into their complex relationship filled with jealousy, competition, and tragedy. The book explores themes of class, gender inequality, and oppression, portraying the lives of women on different layers of the economic spectrum during that era. O'Neill presents the narrative in a whimsical and fairy tale-like style, with explicit sexual scenes that evoke discomfort in some readers but also serve to address issues of gender roles and female oppression in society.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted women, embodying both charm and toxicity in their intense relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by vibrant, poetic prose but marred by some grammatical issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a complex and twisted relationship between two women, focusing on themes of obsession and societal issues.

Setting:

The setting alternates between late 19th-century Montreal and the UK, providing insights into class disparities.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slow but gains momentum, particularly as the characters reach adulthood.

Notes:

The novel is set in 19th century Montreal and the UK.

It follows two female protagonists, Marie and Sadie, whose relationship is both toxic and obsessive.

Marie is the wealthy heiress to a sugar fortune, while Sadie comes from a less privileged background.

The story includes heavy themes of gender inequality and class struggle.

There is a significant event where Sadie is sent away after a tragic incident involving a maid.

The book explores the dark and humorous aspects of friendship between women.

It offers commentary on the oppression of women workers in the late 1800s.

Readers note a mix of explicit sexual content, which some find uncomfortable.

The writing style is described as almost fairy tale-like and whimsical, despite dark themes.

There are unexpected twist endings that surprise readers.

The book is considered to have a modern writing style, despite its historical setting.

There are numerous criticisms regarding grammatical errors in the writing.

Overall, it has been described as engaging and compelling, with strong character development.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include sexual assault, toxic relationships, and themes of gender oppression.

Has Romance?

There is a significant presence of romance and complex sexual relationships throughout the book.

From The Publisher:

"Every decent friendship comes with a drop of hatred. But that hatred is like honey in the tea. It makes it addictive."

Charismatic Marie Antoine is the daughter of the richest man in 19th century Montreal. She has everything she wants, except for a best friend-until clever, scheming Sadie Arnett moves to the neighborhood. Immediately united by their passion and intensity, Marie and Sadie attract and repel each other in ways that thrill them both. Their games soon become tinged with risk, even violence. Forced to separate by the adults around them, they spend years engaged in acts of alternating innocence and depravity. And when a singular event brings them back together, the dizzying effects will upend the city.

Traveling from a repressive finishing school to a vibrant brothel, taking readers firsthand into the brutality of factory life and the opulent lives of Montreal's wealthy, When We Lost Our Heads dazzlingly explores gender, sex, desire, class, and the terrifying power of the human heart when it can't let someone go.

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Reader Stats (6):

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